• Res Social Adm Pharm · Jul 2015

    Evaluation of smartphone oral contraceptive reminder applications.

    • Noga Gal, Nikki B Zite, and Lorraine S Wallace.
    • The Ohio State University, College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43201, USA.
    • Res Social Adm Pharm. 2015 Jul 1; 11 (4): 584-7.

    BackgroundOral contraceptives (OCs) are the most widely used contraceptive method among women of reproductive age in the United States (US). Routine download and use of health-related smartphone applications (apps) continues to increase.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of English-language, smartphone-platform OC reminder apps currently available for download in the US.MethodsDuring June-July 2013, official Internet-based, mobile app platforms for the two major smartphone operating systems in the US-Android (Google Play Store) and iPhone (iTunes)-were searched. "Birth control," "the pill," and "contraception" were entered into the search-bar of each Smartphone store. Apps were assessed for the following: cost, health care professionals' involvement in app development, reminder mechanisms, and functionality.ResultsOf the 39 unique OC reminder apps meeting inclusion criteria, 7 (18%) did not operate as intended when downloaded. Most apps functioned without an Internet connection (97%) and included pop-up notifications (84%).ConclusionsCertain app features overcome common causes of missing an alarm, and hypothetically, may minimize likelihood of an OC user missing a daily pill. Health care providers should inform users of potential pitfalls and advise them that an OC reminder app should be not be used as a sole reminder method.Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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